CSG

I want a folder. I've looked at everything out there and have winnowed it down to a Dahon, Xootr Swift, and Brompton. Frankly, I'm predisposed to the Bromptons although my wallet is predisposed to the Dahons and Swifts.

The thing is, the real benefit of the Brompton is that small folded size. It will fit into a little storage area of my camping van whereas nothing the other guys make will. That, in and of itself, is really an issue. While any other brands could be carried folded, only the Brompton fits in the storage cubby of the van. And that small size is what's driving my purchasing decision.

So, assuming I go with the Brompton, can some of you owners tell me about the gearing options? I've been told by the various dealers I've described my situation to that either 3 or 6 would do though the west coast guys seem to always order the 6 speed for their inventory bikes. I'd love to get some owner thoughts. I don't expect more than mild ups and downs but I'd hate to spend all this money and then, for the $100 difference, realize that the 3 speed was not really enough. However, I don't expect rides much longer than 20 miles and those *usually* on paved paths with some dirt/packed gravel roads. This bike is a recreational travel bike, not a commuter (I work at home).

Also, I'm 6' between 180-185#. I have somewhere between a 32-33" inseam. I've been told by various dealers that the standard seat post should be fine. If I can avoid the longer post or having to buy the telescoping post I either get a smaller fold or save another $50. Anyone my size riding the standard post?

I've already assumed I want the firm suspension block and will either get the Brooks that Brompton has or get a B-17 down the road (it's what I ride on my full-size bike). I don't see a need for the rack or luggage options as I typically carry a little Mountainsmith waist pack that will hold two water bottles and my normal stuff. And, again, it's not a commuter or going-to-the-store bike.

Lastly, I'm also struggling with the bar choices. I like an upright position (I'm 60) and I understand the P bars are about an inch higher. However, I also prefer Ergon grips (or clones) and I guess that's not an option on the P bars. Any owners who've tried both have any thoughts?

Any comments and thoughts aside from the "Oh, you don't want a Brompton, you want _______!" would be greatly appreciated. I'm buying one without being able to ride one and only the dealer in Palo Alto will take a return. But the purchase will have to be a stock inventory thing as I want to take care of this within the next two or three weeks. No time for a B-Spoke order.

Thanks in advance and apologies for the many questions!

Dynocoaster 

Here is one that is in stock at Calhoun https://www.calhouncycle.com/productc...idproduct=2395 I think the 6 speed is the way to go. I like raw paint job also. I live in Washington state and with all the hills we have on the west coast the 6 speed would be better for this. just my 2 cents.

CSG

Didn't know about this dealer. I'll call them tomorrow though I think I prefer black over the raw lacquer. I'd rather spend that $160 on other options.

Dynocoaster 

There is a Brompton dealer in Seattle https://www.electricvehiclesnw.com/fbw/brompton.htm

chagzuki

You might get away with the standard seat post, probably with the pentaclip at the very top of the post and turned upside-down to give maximum extension.

bendembroski

My legs are just a little bit longer than yours (depending on the method you use to measure your inseam) & the standard post was *just* a bit too small.

I'd go for the 6 speed. I live in rolling terrain & while I could manage with a 3 speed, the extra range makes for a much more enjoyable ride.

We are about the same height. I've got the M bars, and they are maybe an inch below the seat level. I've got sensitive wrists, but this setup doesn't bother me. I suspect it's because the cockpit is shorter so I've got less weight on my wrists.

Hope that helps.

CSG

I would think Ergon grips would help your wrists. Meanwhile, thanks for the additional comments!

fietsbob

And one dealer in Portland Oregon..

3 speeds of BWR Hub are further apart than the BSR. Standard ratios
are like the venerable AW3
the 13/15 cog combination half steps the wide ratio hub.


I got a Schlumpf Swiss Mountain Drive crankset from CM Wasson in Palo Alto, Cal.
it adds 3 more ratios below those of the 3 speed AW3/BSR

about .. 18 - 80 GI in 6 ratios ..

Another option Mr Wasson got made up is a front derailleur mount
that clamps on to the frame , then a Braze on FD
bolts onto that , so You can Use a Double chainring set
and shift it with an additional thumb shifter.
[A 44/36 double makes an interesting double crank..with the 6 speed.]

I got one of those, then decided the MD crank was better for My use..
.. functions like a 54/21t crankset ..
I have yet to return it, so anyone interested I can ship it to either
as well ..
to dual range the rear gear ratios.

P bar is an Up/down choice like a drop Bar offers,
to tuck into the wind, but still folds the same ..

S bar is lower than the M bar , either of those will take an Ergon grip.

I like the extended seat post , at 5'9+" the standard post
gets pulled almost all the way up, and it is a little thicker wall tubing than
the standard post..

another option thru Calhoun's is a telescopic post with a different bushing,
so a 27.2 seat post with an integrated saddle clip can be used..

Not Sure what the upper of the OEM Brompton tele post is , anyone measure?

Dynocoaster 

8 speed conversion on the bay from the UK but ships to the USA https://cgi.ebay.com/Brompton-Eight-S...item27bc7ac98f

CSG

Any more comments from Brompton owners?

Dynocoaster 

Have you ordered one yet? I just found out that Kulshan Bikes in Bellingham is a dealer now and want to check it out.

CSG

No, I'm still trying to get more info from owners.

Dynocoaster 

have you tried other forums? https://foldingbike-brompton.blogspot...ton-users.html

https://www.foldingcyclist.com/

kamtsa

Here is my 2c (purchased a 6sp S from the Palo Alto dealer few months ago. Dealer was great BTW).

1. I also though that I prefer the hard suspension but after buying the bike switch to the standard.
2. Look also for the brooks flyer (springy) saddle. Slighly heaver but improves the suspension.
3. I tried the M and S and picked the S. Like the stiffness and the lower position. Using it with Ergon grips.
4. If you can afford the 6sp go with it. Who knows when you will need more gears. I got the 6sp and use all of them regularly.
5. Try to test ride the model you plan to buy. Possibly you can find a local owner. You can also try craigslist (who know, maybe you will like it and boy on the spot).
6. Brompton comes with reduced gear options (all gears are 12% lower). That's what I got, may work for you as well.
7. You can get an option with no rear rack and no fenders. If you don't need them, you may want to go with this option for simplicity. I did.
8. If the standard seat post works for you go with it. Lighter and simpler. If you will change your mind latter, you can buy one of the longer or possibly trade in with the dealer.
9. Brompton has geat post sales spare part support. If you change your mind about an option (e.g. fenders or pump), you can always get it later.

Also, go through the custom configuration here https://www.nycewheels.com/brompton-f...ial-build.html it has great information about each option and even a video option. It will help you determine what you want.

Good luck. I am sure you will enjoy you Brompton. It is a very functional and practical bike.

K.

Dynocoaster 

if it doesnt need to fold these are cool https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/nano.htm

CSG

I saw that I posted this 8 years ago now. I ended up with an M6L (from CM Wasson who appears to be out of business now) with the 12% reduced gearing, tall seat post, and added a Brooks B-17 and small Ergon grips. I carry it the back of my Lexus LX (their version of the Land Cruiser) and finally added the folding basket (which is pretty cool). Been a lot of fun and I've had nice rides during my travels with my camping van.